2007 GMC Sierra 1500

Body style/layout:
The GMC Sierra 1500 extended cab is a front-engine, body-on-box-frame pickup with two full side doors and two smaller rear access doors. It is available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, either with a short, intermediate or long cargo bed.

Engine/transmission:
The tested model had a 5.3-liter V-8 that develops 315 horsepower at 5,200 revolutions per minute and 338 foot-pounds of torque at 4,400 rpm. The engine employs a computerized cylinder deactivation system to save fuel when running at moderate speeds and pulling light loads. The engine is linked to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Capacities:
There is seating for six. Maximum payload is 1,564 pounds. It can be equipped to tow up to 8,600 pounds. Fuel capacity is 26 gallons of recommended regular unleaded gasoline.

Mileage:
With driver and one passenger, and carrying no cargo, or pulling no trailer, we averaged 21 miles per gallon traveling at posted speed limits.

Safety:
Head air bags are optional. Side air bags, electronic stability control and traction control were not available at this writing.

Price:
Base price on the 2007 GMC Sierra 1500 extended cab pickup truck with four-wheel-drive and short bed is $31,795. Dealer's invoice price on that model is $29,092. Price as tested is $34,300, including $1,605 in options (remote vehicle starter system, heated power-adjustable mirrors, heated windshield-wiper fluid system, high-performance suspension) and a $900 destination charge. Dealer's price as tested is $31,324. Prices sourced from General Motors and www.edmunds.com.
Purse-strings note: Compare with Ford F-150, Dodge Ram 1500, Nissan Titan and Toyota Tundra.

Head-turning quotient:
It's a pickup truck. Sexy doesn't get it in this league. Power does. It looks powerful.

Complaints:
This is a high-rider, which is no problem for people long of leg. But ingress and egress can be challenging for short-legged types. Also, the four-speed automatic transmission should be replaced by a more fuel-efficient five-speed or six-speed model.
Ride, acceleration and handling: It is a full-size pickup truck that rides and handles like a pickup truck. People desiring something gentle and sedan-like should shop elsewhere. Acceleration is good, meaning that the GMC Sierra 1500 has no problems entering freeways or changing lanes.